A Modest Proposal

<p>Coolweather, that’s how factory/plant personnel are hired…qualify them then hire them or don’t hire them. Gheesh. Kids gotta work alittle bit in life to get what they want. Plus there are plenty of public “directional” schools that WILL make a decision in a matter of days or weeks if kids aren’t interested in putting forth the energy it takes to put together a well crafted list and applications in place and can’t stomach the wait for a decision.</p>

<p>momofthreeboys - The OP says

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<p>This is similar to the CHANCE ME thread on CC. Kids don’t really have to wait 60 days. And they probably figure out the answer for themselves too without asking the colleges.</p>

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<p>Oh no, they might have to be patient! They might have to delay gratification! What a catastrophe!</p>

<p>Personally, when I went through the process in 2002, I was glad that the colleges were taking that time to consider all our applications carefully. Sure, it was a wee bit stressful to not know where I’d be going, but I thought the good outweighed the bad there, and I knew in plenty of time to prepare for it. And it made it all the more exciting when my first acceptance showed up. :)</p>

<p>The problem with this system is that neglects the importance of showing interest. With this system, a student who may not be serious about a school can get to Stage 2 off transcript alone. With the current system, there is a much bigger emphasis on essays and interest. I think that really does make the distinction between applications rather than stats. This system takes out the human factor by the fact they’re just deciding between stats and of course, they probably would assume choose the 4.0 over the 3.8 without the ability to see that 3.8 might be the better fit with more interest in the school.</p>

<p>Supplements are annoying to do but I feel like they really help you with your application when they look at it. I feel like a school might judge the whole application more positively because of your supplement. I wouldn’t want to take that away.</p>

<p>From the OP:
Well, I’m glad I generated some discussion.
A few thoughts:
*My main goal was to reduce the stress on students so they would not need to fill out lengthy supplements for schools that were not going to accept them based on their basic data (which, keep in mind, does include a single generic essay and teacher recommendations, not just grades and scores)
*60 days is arbitrary - could shorten to 30.
*I am assuming that the Stage 1 would only eliminate applicants who clearly don’t have a chance – no matter how high their interest in the college. Interest is a more subjective factor in making finer discernments between students, and would only come into play in Stage 2.
*Schools don’t need to have a Stage 2 application - they can admit everyone off of Stage 1.
*My proposed application fees were for discussion purposes - could leave it up to the school or set a cap on Stage 1 fees.
*Financial aid is a separate matter that I was not trying to address but I’m assuming it would be awarded to admitted students at the end of the process, just as it usually is now.</p>